Football fans were out in force today as hundreds of people turned out for a special fundraiser in support of injured players Shaun Whiter and Joey Abbs.

The event at the Cambs Glass Stadium was organised by Cambridge United and backed by Cambridgeshire Football Association to raise funds after the pair were hurt in a hit-and-run incident.

Teams from across the region took to the pitch to take part in a football tournament – and there was even a famous face among the players in the form of The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright.

However the matches were just the start, with the tournament being followed up by a charity auction of football memorabilia signed by sporting superstars Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale to name but a few.

Football family day at Cambrdge United in aid of road accident victims Joey Abbs and Shaun Whiter (Photo: Warren Gunn)

The Family Football Day was spearheaded by Jez George, chief executive officer at Cambridge United, who said Shaun and Joey had shown their "true colours" in the face of adversity.

He said: "For those of us who have got to know them over the last few weeks it has been humbling and inspiring how they have set about the challenges ahead of them.

"The focus has been to give all of local football the opportunity to come together in one place and show these two lads their support and that's what we hope to do today."

Mr George said there had been a "fantastic" atmosphere at the fundraiser and that he was confident the auction would bring in lots of money.

He added: "It's fantastic and it's what the two boys deserve.

Football family day at Cambrdge United in aid of road accident victims Joey Abbs and Shaun Whiter (Photo: Warren Gunn)

"I think football appreciates at times like this that it could have happened to any single person who is playing football on a pitch anywhere, any weekend, so it's a great demonstration of the power for good that football can be."

The event was given an extra boost earlier this week when Cambridge-based pharmaceuticals company Mundipharma pledged to donate £3 for every seat sold at the U's Mundipharma Community Stand.

And the stands were filling up fast, with three generations from one family of Cambridge United fans coming along to watch the games.

Chris Gooch, 40, came along with his 8-year-old daughter Phoebe and his dad Paul, 68, who has been supporting the U's since he was a child.

He said: "I've been playing football for years and years and it struck a nerve the thought of not being able to play football again so we just wanted to support the event.

"It has been an inspiration to hear their [Shaun and Joey's] positivity. We just wish them all the best and it's been lovely to see such a good turnout."